How To Lay Hardwood Flooring

Preparing the Room

Before you start laying hardwood flooring, you need to prepare the room. Remove any existing flooring and make sure the subfloor is level and free of debris. If necessary, use a level and shims to level out any high spots in the subfloor. Make sure that the wall is straight and plumb with a level.

Installing the Flooring

Once the room is ready, you can start installing the hardwood flooring. Begin by laying the first row of boards along the longest wall, making sure that the boards are aligned. Secure the boards to the subfloor with either nails or screws. After the first row is secured, continue laying the boards row by row, making sure that the boards are aligned and secured properly.

Cutting and Fitting the Flooring

When you get to the end of the room, you will need to cut the boards to fit. Measure the length of the space between the last row of boards and the wall and mark the board accordingly. Use a circular saw to cut the board to size. Place the cut board in the space and secure it with either nails or screws.

Gaps and Expansion Space

When laying hardwood flooring, it is important to leave a small gap between the edge of the last row of boards and the wall. This gap will allow for the wood to expand and contract as humidity and temperature levels change. This gap should be about 1/4 inch wide.

Finishing Touches

Once all of the boards are installed, you can finish off the job with some trim. Install a baseboard trim along the perimeter of the room to cover the gap between the wall and the hardwood flooring. You can also install shoe molding to cover the gap between the flooring and the baseboard trim.

Cleaning and Maintenance

After the installation is complete, you should give your hardwood flooring a good cleaning. Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove any dust and debris. You can also mop the floor with a slightly damp mop. To keep your flooring looking good, you should regularly sweep or vacuum the floor and mop it occasionally.

Conclusion

Laying hardwood flooring is a fairly straightforward job, but it does take some time and patience. With the right tools and supplies and by following the steps outlined above, you can easily lay a beautiful hardwood floor. Regular cleaning and maintenance will help keep your hardwood floor looking great for years to come.